Northumberland students have an opportunity to shape education

Northumberland News

Northumberland high school student Chris Grouchy wanted to provide a voice to fellow students.

He achieved that and more when he assumed the important role of student trustee with the board over two years of service. His job as a representative of students is coming to an end and other senior high school students are being encouraged to consider succeeding him.

The job is demanding and time-consuming, but the benefits are immeasurable. Student trustees are given an opportunity to not only learn about the inner workings of a publicly elected board of trustees, but become immersed in important issues of the day. Students can provide an important perspective to elected trustees, voice the collective opinions of their peers, and help shape policies that directly affect them.

As well, student trustees are able to develop important skills -- prioritizing demands, managing time and workloads, researching issues, preparing reports and speeches -- that will serve them well as they grow and move on to post-secondary education, careers or business ventures. If an interest in politics or other public service is what motivates some of the candidates, the role of trustee also provides vital experience.

For outgoing trustee Chris Grouchy, his biggest achievement was the successful creation of an elementary school advisory committee, which helps provide a voice for younger students learning in Kawartha board schools. He identified the need, worked to secure support, researched the issue and succeeded with his plan.

Incoming trustees, too, can bring new ideas, the perspective of youth, and important voices to their fellow trustees.

Student Trustee Grouchy notes that the role is "what you make of it". That's as true for the students as it is for the adults.

In that context, it will take energy, an abiding commitment to service on behalf of others, and a willingness to work hard at balancing the demands of board work, school commitments, academic achievement and social pursuits.

It's not easy, but can be extremely rewarding.

The student trustee program represents a unique opportunity for young men and women. Northumberland students should take time to consider their candidacy. What issues need addressing in your school or school community? What are students talking about? What do they need to make learning even more relevant, more enjoyable, and more conducive to success?

Chris Grouchy represents all that is good about the program and its support for student achievement. A few good young men and women in Northumberland can continue the tradition.
-- Northumberland News